Touchpad assembly for an information handling system

ABSTRACT

A touchpad assembly, including an actuator device that provides motion in a first direction; a first structural element coupled to the actuator device; a second structural element coupled to the first structural element; wherein the first structural element, in response to the motion in the first direction provided by the actuator device, exerts a first rotational force in a first rotational direction, wherein the second structural element, in response to the first rotational force by the first structural element, exerts a second rotational force in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, wherein the first rotational force and the second rotational force provide a rotational vibration of the touchpad assembly.

BACKGROUND Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates generally to an information handling system, andin particular, a touchpad assembly for an information handling system.

Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

SUMMARY

Innovative aspects of the subject matter described in this specificationmay be embodied in a touchpad assembly, including an actuator devicethat provides motion in a first direction; a first structural elementcoupled to the actuator device; a second structural element coupled tothe first structural element; wherein the first structural element, inresponse to the motion in the first direction provided by the actuatordevice, exerts a first rotational force in a first rotational direction,wherein the second structural element, in response to the firstrotational force by the first structural element, exerts a secondrotational force in a second rotational direction opposite to the firstrotational direction, wherein the first rotational force and the secondrotational force provide a rotational vibration of the touchpadassembly.

Other embodiments of these aspects include corresponding systems andapparatus.

These and other embodiments may each optionally include one or more ofthe following features. For instance, the actuator device providesmotion in a second direction opposite to the first direction, whereinthe first structural element, in response to the motion in the seconddirection provided by the actuator device, exerts a third rotationalforce in the second rotational direction, wherein the second structuralelement, in response to the third rotational force by the firststructural element, exerts a fourth rotational force in the firstrotational direction. The first rotational force, the second rotationalforce, the third rotational force, and the fourth rotational forceprovide the rotational vibration of the touchpad assembly. The firststructural element includes a body structure; a first extension memberprotruding from the body structure defining a first gap between thefirst extension member and the body structure; and a second extensionmember protruding from the body structure defining a second gap betweenthe second extension member and the body structure. The secondstructural element includes a perimeter structure; a first extensionmember protruding from the perimeter structure and positioned within thefirst gap; a second extension member protruding from the perimeterstructure and positioned within the second gap. An end of the firstextension member of the second structural element is coupled to thefirst structural element at a first connecting portion between the bodystructure and the first extension member of the first structuralelement, and wherein an end of the second extension member of the secondstructural element is coupled to the first structural at a secondconnecting portion between the body structure and the second extensionmember of the first structural element. The actuator is coupled to thefirst structural element outside of an inner perimeter surface of theperimeter structure of the second structural element. The actuatordevice is a linear resonant actuator. The actuator device is a piezoactuator. The first structural element is positioned between the secondstructural element and a printed circuit board (PCB). Dampening materialpositioned between the first structural element and the secondstructural element.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other potential features, aspects, and advantages ofthe subject matter will become apparent from the description, thedrawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of selected elements of an embodiment of aninformation handling system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an information handling system,including a touchpad assembly, in a first implementation.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the information handling system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top down view of the touch pad assembly, in thefirst implementation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the touch pad assembly, in thefirst implementation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an information handling system,including a touchpad assembly, in a second implementation.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top down view of the touch pad assembly, in thesecond implementation.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the touch pad assembly, in thesecond implementation.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for providing haptic feedback with thetouchpad assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT(S)

This disclosure discusses a touchpad assembly of an information handlingsystem. In short, a touchpad assembly can provide a vibration adjustablehaptic mechanism for the information handling system to provide a stablerotational vibration. An actuator of the touchpad assembly can bepositioned outside of the touchpad projection area to provide magnifyingintensity effect and also reduce an overall stack height of the touchpadmodule.

Specifically, this disclosure discusses a touchpad assembly, includingan actuator device that provides motion in a first direction; a firststructural element coupled to the actuator device; a second structuralelement coupled to the first structural element; wherein the firststructural element, in response to the motion in the first directionprovided by the actuator device, exerts a first rotational force in afirst rotational direction, wherein the second structural element, inresponse to the first rotational force by the first structural element,exerts a second rotational force in a second rotational directionopposite to the first rotational direction.

In the following description, details are set forth by way of example tofacilitate discussion of the disclosed subject matter. It should beapparent to a person of ordinary skill in the field, however, that thedisclosed embodiments are exemplary and not exhaustive of all possibleembodiments.

For the purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system mayinclude an instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable tocompute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, orutilize various forms of information, intelligence, or data forbusiness, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. Forexample, an information handling system may be a personal computer, aPDA, a consumer electronic device, a network storage device, or anothersuitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality,and price. The information handling system may include memory, one ormore processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) orhardware or software control logic. Additional components of theinformation handling system may include one or more storage devices, oneor more communications ports for communicating with external devices aswell as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, amouse, and a video display. The information handling system may alsoinclude one or more buses operable to transmit communication between thevarious hardware components.

For the purposes of this disclosure, computer-readable media may includean instrumentality or aggregation of instrumentalities that may retaindata and/or instructions for a period of time. Computer-readable mediamay include, without limitation, storage media such as a direct accessstorage device (e.g., a hard disk drive or floppy disk), a sequentialaccess storage device (e.g., a tape disk drive), compact disk, CD-ROM,DVD, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or flash memory(SSD); as well as communications media such wires, optical fibers,microwaves, radio waves, and other electromagnetic and/or opticalcarriers; and/or any combination of the foregoing.

Particular embodiments are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1-9wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagramdepicting selected elements of an information handling system 100 inaccordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In variousembodiments, information handling system 100 may represent differenttypes of portable information handling systems, such as, displaydevices, head mounted displays, head mount display systems, smartphones, tablet computers, notebook computers, media players, digitalcameras, 2-in-1 tablet-laptop combination computers, and wirelessorganizers, or other types of portable information handling systems. Inone or more embodiments, information handling system 100 may alsorepresent other types of information handling systems, including desktopcomputers, server systems, controllers, and microcontroller units, amongother types of information handling systems. Components of informationhandling system 100 may include, but are not limited to, a processorsubsystem 120, which may comprise one or more processors, and system bus121 that communicatively couples various system components to processorsubsystem 120 including, for example, a memory subsystem 130, an I/Osubsystem 140, a local storage resource 150, and a network interface160. System bus 121 may represent a variety of suitable types of busstructures, e.g., a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus usingvarious bus architectures in selected embodiments. For example, sucharchitectures may include, but are not limited to, Micro ChannelArchitecture (MCA) bus, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus,Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus,PCI-Express bus, HyperTransport (HT) bus, and Video ElectronicsStandards Association (VESA) local bus.

As depicted in FIG. 1 , processor subsystem 120 may comprise a system,device, or apparatus operable to interpret and/or execute programinstructions and/or process data, and may include a microprocessor,microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), or another digital or analog circuitryconfigured to interpret and/or execute program instructions and/orprocess data. In some embodiments, processor subsystem 120 may interpretand/or execute program instructions and/or process data stored locally(e.g., in memory subsystem 130 and/or another component of informationhandling system). In the same or alternative embodiments, processorsubsystem 120 may interpret and/or execute program instructions and/orprocess data stored remotely (e.g., in network storage resource 170).

Also in FIG. 1 , memory subsystem 130 may comprise a system, device, orapparatus operable to retain and/or retrieve program instructions and/ordata for a period of time (e.g., computer-readable media). Memorysubsystem 130 may comprise random access memory (RAM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a PCMCIA card, flashmemory, magnetic storage, opto-magnetic storage, and/or a suitableselection and/or array of volatile or non-volatile memory that retainsdata after power to its associated information handling system, such assystem 100, is powered down.

In information handling system 100, I/O subsystem 140 may comprise asystem, device, or apparatus generally operable to receive and/ortransmit data to/from/within information handling system 100. I/Osubsystem 140 may represent, for example, a variety of communicationinterfaces, graphics interfaces, video interfaces, user inputinterfaces, and/or peripheral interfaces. In various embodiments, I/Osubsystem 140 may be used to support various peripheral devices, such asa touch panel, a display adapter, a keyboard, an accelerometer, a touchpad, a gyroscope, an IR sensor, a microphone, a sensor, or a camera, oranother type of peripheral device. For example, the I/O subsystem 140can include a touchpad assembly 190.

Local storage resource 150 may comprise computer-readable media (e.g.,hard disk drive, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, and/or other type ofrotating storage media, flash memory, EEPROM, and/or another type ofsolid state storage media) and may be generally operable to storeinstructions and/or data. Likewise, the network storage resource maycomprise computer-readable media (e.g., hard disk drive, floppy diskdrive, CD-ROM, and/or other type of rotating storage media, flashmemory, EEPROM, and/or other type of solid state storage media) and maybe generally operable to store instructions and/or data.

In FIG. 1 , network interface 160 may be a suitable system, apparatus,or device operable to serve as an interface between information handlingsystem 100 and a network 110. Network interface 160 may enableinformation handling system 100 to communicate over network 110 using asuitable transmission protocol and/or standard, including, but notlimited to, transmission protocols and/or standards enumerated belowwith respect to the discussion of network 110. In some embodiments,network interface 160 may be communicatively coupled via network 110 toa network storage resource 170. Network 110 may be a public network or aprivate (e.g. corporate) network. The network may be implemented as, ormay be a part of, a storage area network (SAN), personal area network(PAN), local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), awide area network (WAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a virtualprivate network (VPN), an intranet, the Internet or another appropriatearchitecture or system that facilitates the communication of signals,data and/or messages (generally referred to as data). Network interface160 may enable wired and/or wireless communications (e.g., NFC orBluetooth) to and/or from information handling system 100.

In particular embodiments, network 110 may include one or more routersfor routing data between client information handling systems 100 andserver information handling systems 100. A device (e.g., a clientinformation handling system 100 or a server information handling system100) on network 110 may be addressed by a corresponding network addressincluding, for example, an Internet protocol (IP) address, an Internetname, a Windows Internet name service (WINS) name, a domain name orother system name. In particular embodiments, network 110 may includeone or more logical groupings of network devices such as, for example,one or more sites (e.g. customer sites) or subnets. As an example, acorporate network may include potentially thousands of offices orbranches, each with its own subnet (or multiple subnets) having manydevices. One or more client information handling systems 100 maycommunicate with one or more server information handling systems 100 viaany suitable connection including, for example, a modem connection, aLAN connection including the Ethernet or a broadband WAN connectionincluding DSL, Cable, Ti, T3, Fiber Optics, Wi-Fi, or a mobile networkconnection including GSM, GPRS, 3G, or WiMax.

Network 110 may transmit data using a desired storage and/orcommunication protocol, including, but not limited to, Fibre Channel,Frame Relay, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet protocol (IP),other packet-based protocol, small computer system interface (SCSI),Internet SCSI (iSCSI), Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) or another transportthat operates with the SCSI protocol, advanced technology attachment(ATA), serial ATA (SATA), advanced technology attachment packetinterface (ATAPI), serial storage architecture (SSA), integrated driveelectronics (IDE), and/or any combination thereof. Network 110 and itsvarious components may be implemented using hardware, software, or anycombination thereof.

In short, the touchpad assembly 190 can provide a vibration adjustablehaptic mechanism for the information handling system 100 to provide astable rotational vibration. An actuator of the touchpad assembly 190can be positioned outside of the touchpad projection area to providemagnifying intensity effect and also reduce an overall stack height ofthe touchpad module 190.

Turning to FIG. 2 , FIG. 2 illustrates an environment 200 including aninformation handling system 202. The information handling system 202 caninclude a touchpad assembly 210. In some examples, the informationhandling system 202 is similar to, or includes, the information handlingsystem 100 of FIG. 1 . In some examples, the touchpad assembly 210 isthe same, or substantially the same, as the touchpad assembly 190 ofFIG. 1 .

The touchpad assembly 210 can include an actuator device 212, a firststructural element 214, and a second structural element 216.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the information handling system202. The information handling system 202 can include a first body 302and a second body 304 coupled together by a hinge 306. The first body302 can include a display 308. The second body 304 can include akeyboard 310, and other computing elements. The second body 304 canfurther include the touchpad assembly 210. A palm rest area 320 cansurround the touchpad assembly 210.

In some examples, the touchpad assembly 210 is a “windows” type touchpadassembly 210—the touchpad assembly 210 is not connected to the palm restarea 320. In some examples, the touchpad assembly 210 is a “seamless”type touchpad assembly 210—the touchpad assembly 210 is connected to thepalm rest area 320 directly.

The touchpad assembly 210 can provide haptic feedback, e.g., to a userengaged with the information handling system 202. The touchpad assembly210 can provide haptic feedback in response to input provided by theuser, e.g., the user engaging with the touchpad assembly 210 viauser-touch. The touchpad assembly 210 can provide haptic feedback inresponse to a signal from the information handling system 202, e.g.,based on operations being performed by computing elements of theinformation handling system 202.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top down view of the touchpad assembly 210, in afirst implementation; and FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of thetouchpad assembly 210, in the first implementation. Specifically, thetouchpad assembly 210 is shown including the actuator device 212, thefirst structural element 214, and the second structural element 216. Thefirst structural element 214 can be positioned between the secondstructural element 216 and a printed circuit board (PCB) 402.

In some examples, the actuator device 212 is a linear resonant actuator(LRA). In some examples, the actuator device 212 is a piezo actuator.

In some examples, the first structural element 214 is coupled to theactuator device 212 (the actuator device 212 is coupled to the firststructural element 214). For example, the actuator device 212 can becoupled to the first structural element 214 with an adhesive. In someexamples, the first structural element 214 is a Tai-Chi beam design. Thefirst structural element 214 can include a body structure 410. The firststructural element 214 can include a first extension member 412 aprotruding from the body structure 410. A gap 414 a is defined betweenthe first extension member 412 a and the body structure 410. The secondstructural element 216 can include a second extension member 412 bprotruding from the body structure 410. A gap 414 b is defined betweenthe second extension member 412 b and the body structure 410. A firstconnecting portion 420 a can connect the body structure 410 and thefirst extension member 412 a of the first structural element 214. Asecond connecting portion 420 b can connect the body structure 410 andthe second extension member 412 b of the first structural element 214.

In some examples, the second structural element 216 is coupled to thefirst structural element 214. For example, the second structural element216 can be welded to the first structural element 214. In some examples,the second structural element 216 is a Tai-Chi beam design. The secondstructural element 216 can include a perimeter structure 450. The secondstructural element 216 can include a first extension member 452 aprotruding from the perimeter structure 450 and positioned within thegap 414 a. The second structural element 216 can include a secondextension member 452 b protruding from the perimeter structure 450 andpositioned within the gap 414 b.

In some examples, an end 460 a of the first extension member 452 a ofthe second structural element 216 is coupled to the first structuralelement 214 at the first connecting portion 420 a of the firststructural element 214.

In some examples, an end 460 b of the second extension member 452 b ofthe second structural element 216 is coupled to the first structuralelement 214 at the second connecting portion 420 b of the firststructural element 214.

The perimeter structure 450 of the second structural element 216 caninclude an inner perimeter surface 480 and an outer perimeter surface482 spaced-apart from the inner perimeter surface 480. In some examples,the actuator 212 is coupled to the first structural element 214 outsideof the inner perimeter 480 of the perimeter structure 450 of the secondstructural element 216. In some examples, the actuator 212 is coupled tothe first structural element 214 outside of the outer perimeter surface482 of the perimeter structure 450 of the second structural element 216.

To that end, the actuator device 212 provides motion to the touchpadassembly 210 in a first direction D1. That is, the actuator device 212can provide motion along the first direction D1 to the touchpad assembly210. The first structural element 214, in response to the motion in thefirst direction D1 provided by the actuator device 212, exerts a firstrotational force in a first rotational direction R1. In some examples,the first rotational direction R1 is a counter clockwise direction.

Specifically, the first extension member 412 a and the second extensionmember 412 b, in response to the motion provided by the actuator device212 in the first direction D1, impart first rotational force in thefirst rotational direction R1 to the touchpad assembly 210. That is, amoment arm is created/defined between the actuator device 212 and thetouchpad assembly 210, and in particular, between the actuator device212 and a rotationally center point of the body structure 410 of thefirst structural element 214. To that end, when the actuator device 212provides the motion to the touchpad assembly 210 along the firstdirection D1, such motion is translated by a lever effect of the momentarm between the actuator device 212 and the first structural element 214to the first rotational force in the first rotational direction R1 ofthe first structural element 214.

Furthermore, the second structural element 216, in response to the firstrotational force in the first rotational direction R1 provided by thefirst structural element 214, exerts a second rotational force in asecond rotation direction R2. In some examples, the second rotationaldirection R2 is opposite to the first rotational direction R1. In someexamples, the second rotational direction R2 is in a clockwisedirection. Specifically, the first extension member 452 a and the secondextension member 452 b, in response to the first rotational forceprovided by the first structural element 214 in the first rotationaldirection R1, imparts second rotational force in the second rotationaldirection R2 to the touchpad assembly 210.

In some examples, the actuator device 212 provides motion in a seconddirection D2 to the touchpad assembly 210. That is, the actuator device212 can provide motion along the second direction D2 to the touchpadassembly 210. The first structural element 214, in response to themotion in the second direction D2 provided by the actuator device 212,exerts a third rotational force in the second rotational direction R2.Specifically, the first extension member 412 a and the second extensionmember 412 b, in response to the motion provided by the actuator device212 in the second direction D2, impart a third rotational force in thesecond rotational direction R2 to the touchpad assembly 210.

Furthermore, the second structural element 216, in response to the thirdrotational force in the second rotational direction R2 provided by thefirst structural element 214, exerts a fourth rotational force in thefirst rotational direction R1. Specifically, the first extension member452 a and the second extension member 452 b, in response to the thirdrotational force provided by the first structural element 214 in thesecond rotational direction R2, imparts a fourth rotational force in thefirst rotational direction R1 to the touchpad assembly 210.

In some examples, the touchpad assembly 210 can include a dampeningmaterial positioned between the first structural element 214 and thesecond structural element 216. The dampening material can allowadjustment of the spring stiffness and the dampening ratio of thetouchpad assembly 210. For example, the quantity of dampening materialcan be increased (or decreased) to increase (or decrease) the dampeningratio between the first structural element 214 and the second structuralelement 216 (for expected vibration behavior).

The combination of at least the first rotational force, the secondrotational force, the third rotational force, and the fourth rotationalforce can provide haptic feedback by the touchpad assembly 210, and inparticular, a (stable) rotational vibration of the touchpad assembly210.

Turning to FIG. 6 , FIG. 6 illustrates an environment 600 including aninformation handling system 602. The information handling system 602 caninclude a touchpad assembly 610. In some examples, the informationhandling system 602 is similar to, or includes, the information handlingsystem 100 of FIG. 1 . In some examples, the touchpad assembly 610 isthe same, or substantially the same, as the touchpad assembly 190 ofFIG. 1 .

The touchpad assembly 610 can include a structural body 611 and anactuator device 612. The structural body 611 can include a firststructural element 614, and a second structural element 616.

FIG. 7 illustrates a top down view of the touchpad assembly 610, in asecond implementation; and FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view of thetouchpad assembly 610, in the second implementation. Specifically, thetouchpad assembly 610 is shown including the actuator device 612, andthe structural body 611.

In some examples, the actuator device 612 is a linear resonant actuator(LRA). In some examples, the actuator device 612 is a piezo actuator.

In some examples, the first structural element 614 is coupled to theactuator device 612 (the actuator device 612 is coupled to the firststructural element 614). For example, the actuator device 612 can becoupled to the first structural element 614 with an adhesive. In someexamples, the first structural element 614 is a Tai-Chi beam design. Thefirst structural element 614 can include a body structure 710. The firststructural element 614 can include a first extension member 712 aprotruding from the body structure 710. A gap 714 a is defined betweenthe first extension member 712 a and the body structure 710. The firststructural element 614 can include a second extension member 712 bprotruding from the body structure 710. A gap 714 b is defined betweenthe second extension member 712 b and the body structure 710. A firstconnecting portion 720 a can connect the body structure 710 and thefirst extension member 712 a of the first structural element 614. Asecond connecting portion 720 b can connect the body structure 710 andthe second extension member 712 b of the first structural element 614.

The second structural element 616 is connected (or coupled) to the firststructural element 614. In some examples, the second structural element616 is a Tai-Chi beam design. The second structural element 616 caninclude a perimeter structure 750. The second structural element 616 caninclude a first extension member 752 a protruding from the perimeterstructure 750 and positioned within the gap 714 a. The second structuralelement 616 can include a second extension member 752 b protruding fromthe perimeter structure 750 and positioned within the gap 714 b.

In some examples, an end 760 a of the first extension member 752 a ofthe second structural element 616 is coupled to the first structuralelement 614 at the first connecting portion 720 a of the firststructural element 614.

In some examples, an end 760 b of the second extension member 752 b ofthe second structural element 616 is coupled to the first structuralelement 614 at the second connecting portion 720 b of the firststructural element 614.

In some examples, the actuator 612 is coupled to the first structuralelement 614 between the perimeter structure 750 of the second structuralelement 616 and the body structure 710 of the first structural element614.

To that end, the actuator device 612 provides motion in a firstdirection D1. That is, the actuator device 612 can provide motion alongthe first direction D1 to the touchpad assembly 610. The firststructural element 614, in response to the motion in the first directionD1 provided by the actuator device 612, exerts a first rotational forcein a first rotational direction R1. In some examples, the firstrotational direction R1 is a counter clockwise direction.

Specifically, the first extension member 712 a and the second extensionmember 712 b, in response to the motion provided by the actuator device612 in the first direction, impart first rotational force in the firstrotational direction R1 to the touchpad assembly 610. That is, a momentarm is created/defined between the actuator device 612 and the touchpadassembly 610, and in particular, between the actuator device 612 and arotationally center point of the body structure 710 of the firststructural element 614. To that end, when the actuator device 612provides the motion to the touchpad assembly 610 along the firstdirection D1, such motion is translated by a lever effect of the momentarm between the actuator device 612 and the first structural element 614to the first rotational force in the first rotational direction R1 ofthe first structural element 614.

Furthermore, the second structural element 616, in response to the firstrotational force in the first rotational direction R1 provided by thefirst structural element 614, exerts a second rotational force in asecond rotational direction R2. In some examples, the second rotationaldirection R2 is opposite to the first rotational direction R1. In someexamples, the second rotational direction R2 is in a clockwisedirection. Specifically, the first extension member 752 a and the secondextension member 752 b, in response to the first rotational forceprovided by the first structural element 614 in the first rotationaldirection R1, imparts second rotational force in the second rotationaldirection R2 to the touchpad assembly 610.

In some examples, the actuator device 612 provides motion in a seconddirection D2. That is, the actuator device 612 can provide motion alongthe second direction D2 to the touchpad assembly 610. The firststructural element 614, in response to the motion in the seconddirection D2 provided by the actuator device 612, exerts a thirdrotational force in the second rotational direction R2. Specifically,the first extension member 712 a and the second extension member 712 b,in response to the motion provided by the actuator device 612 in thefirst direction, impart a third rotational force in the secondrotational direction R2 to the touchpad assembly 610.

Furthermore, the second structural element 616, in response to the thirdrotational force in the second rotational direction R2 provided by thefirst structural element 614, exerts a fourth rotational force in thefirst rotational direction R1. Specifically, the first extension member752 a and the second extension member 752 b, in response to the thirdrotational force provided by the first structural element 614 in thesecond rotational direction R2, imparts a fourth rotational force in thefirst rotational direction R1 to the touchpad assembly 610.

The combination of at least the first rotational force, the secondrotational force, the third rotational force, and the fourth rotationalforce can provide haptic feedback by the touchpad assembly 610, and inparticular, a (stable) rotational vibration of the touchpad assembly610.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart depicting selected elements of anembodiment of a method 900 for providing haptic feedback. The method 900may be performed by the information handling system 100, the informationhandling system 202, the touchpad 210, and/or the touchpad 610, and withreference to FIGS. 1-8 . It is noted that certain operations describedin method 900 may be optional or may be rearranged in differentembodiments.

The actuator (210, 610) provides motion in the first direction D1 (902).The first structural element (214, 614) exerts a first rotational forcein the first rotational direction R1 in response to the motion providedby the actuator in the first direction D1 (904). The second structuralelement (216, 616) exerts a second rotational force in the secondrotational direction R2 in response to the first rotational forceprovided by the first structural element in the first rotationaldirection R1 (906). The actuator (210, 610) provides motion in thesecond direction D2 (908). The first structural element (214, 614)exerts a third rotational force in the second rotational direction R2 inresponse to the motion provided by the actuator in the second directionD2 (910). The second structural element (216, 616) exerts a fourthrotational force in the first rotational direction R1 in response to thethird rotational force provided by the first structural element in thesecond rotational direction R2 (912).

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present disclosure is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

Herein, “or” is inclusive and not exclusive, unless expressly indicatedotherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Therefore, herein, “A or B”means “A, B, or both,” unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicatedotherwise by context. Moreover, “and” is both joint and several, unlessexpressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context.Therefore, herein, “A and B” means “A and B, jointly or severally,”unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated other-wise by context.

The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, substitutions,variations, alterations, and modifications to the example embodimentsdescribed or illustrated herein that a person having ordinary skill inthe art would comprehend. The scope of this disclosure is not limited tothe example embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover,although this disclosure describes and illustrates respectiveembodiments herein as including particular components, elements,features, functions, operations, or steps, any of these embodiments mayinclude any combination or permutation of any of the components,elements, features, functions, operations, or steps described orillustrated anywhere herein that a person having ordinary skill in theart would comprehend. Furthermore, reference in the appended claims toan apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system beingadapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operableto, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses thatapparatus, system, component, whether or not it or that particularfunction is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as thatapparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable,configured, enabled, operable, or operative.

What is claimed is:
 1. A touchpad assembly, comprising: an actuatordevice that provides motion in a first direction; a first structuralelement coupled to the actuator device; a second structural elementcoupled to the first structural element; wherein the first structuralelement, in response to the motion in the first direction provided bythe actuator device, exerts a first rotational force in a firstrotational direction, wherein the second structural element, in responseto the first rotational force by the first structural element, exerts asecond rotational force in a second rotational direction opposite to thefirst rotational direction, wherein the first rotational force and thesecond rotational force provide a rotational vibration of the touchpadassembly.
 2. The touchpad assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuatordevice provides motion in a second direction opposite to the firstdirection, wherein the first structural element, in response to themotion in the second direction provided by the actuator device, exerts athird rotational force in the second rotational direction, wherein thesecond structural element, in response to the third rotational force bythe first structural element, exerts a fourth rotational force in thefirst rotational direction.
 3. The touchpad assembly of claim 2, whereinthe first rotational force, the second rotational force, the thirdrotational force, and the fourth rotational force provide the rotationalvibration of the touchpad assembly.
 4. The touchpad assembly of claim 1,wherein the first structural element includes: a body structure; a firstextension member protruding from the body structure defining a first gapbetween the first extension member and the body structure; and a secondextension member protruding from the body structure defining a secondgap between the second extension member and the body structure.
 5. Thetouchpad assembly of claim 4, wherein the second structural elementincludes: a perimeter structure; a first extension member protrudingfrom the perimeter structure and positioned within the first gap; asecond extension member protruding from the perimeter structure andpositioned within the second gap.
 6. The touchpad assembly of claim 5,wherein an end of the first extension member of the second structuralelement is coupled to the first structural element at a first connectingportion between the body structure and the first extension member of thefirst structural element, and wherein an end of the second extensionmember of the second structural element is coupled to the firststructural at a second connecting portion between the body structure andthe second extension member of the first structural element.
 7. Thetouchpad assembly of claim 5, wherein the actuator is coupled to thefirst structural element outside of an inner perimeter surface of theperimeter structure of the second structural element.
 8. The touchpadassembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator device is a linear resonantactuator.
 9. The touchpad assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuatordevice is a piezo actuator.
 10. The touchpad assembly of claim 1,wherein the first structural element is positioned between the secondstructural element and a printed circuit board (PCB).
 11. The touchpadassembly of claim 1, further comprising dampening material positionedbetween the first structural element and the second structural element.12. A touchpad assembly, comprising: an actuator device that providesmotion in a first direction; a structural body, comprising: a firststructural element coupled to the actuator device; a second structuralelement coupled to the first structural element; wherein the firststructural element, in response to the motion in the first directionprovided by the actuator device, exerts a first rotational force in afirst rotational direction, wherein the second structural element, inresponse to the first rotational force by the first structural element,exerts a second rotational force in a second rotational directionopposite to the first rotational direction, wherein the first structuralelement and the second structural element form the structural body as acontiguous body, wherein the first rotational force and the secondrotational force provide a rotational vibration of the touchpadassembly.
 13. The touchpad assembly of claim 12, wherein the actuatordevice provides motion in a second direction opposite to the firstdirection, wherein the first structural element, in response to themotion in the second direction provided by the actuator device, exerts athird rotational force in the second rotational direction, wherein thesecond structural element, in response to the third rotational force bythe first structural element, exerts a fourth rotational force in thefirst rotational direction.
 14. The touchpad assembly of claim 13,wherein the first rotational force, the second rotational force, thethird rotational force, and the fourth rotational force provide therotational vibration of the touchpad assembly.
 15. The touchpad assemblyof claim 12, wherein the first structural element includes: a bodystructure; a first extension member protruding from the body structuredefining a first gap between the first extension member and the bodystructure; and a second extension member protruding from the bodystructure defining a second gap between the second extension member andthe body structure.
 16. The touchpad assembly of claim 15, wherein thesecond structural element includes: a perimeter structure; a firstextension member protruding from the perimeter structure and positionedwithin the first gap; a second extension member protruding from theperimeter structure and positioned within the second gap.
 17. Thetouchpad assembly of claim 16, wherein an end of the first extensionmember of the second structural element is connected to the firststructural element at a first connecting portion between the bodystructure and the first extension member of the first structuralelement, and wherein an end of the second extension member of the secondstructural element is connected to the first structural at a secondconnecting portion between the body structure and the second extensionmember of the first structural element.
 18. The touchpad assembly ofclaim 16, wherein the actuator device is coupled to the first structuralelement between the perimeter structure of the second structural elementand the body structure of the first structural element.
 19. The touchpadassembly of claim 13, wherein the actuator device is a linear resonantactuator.
 20. The touchpad assembly of claim 13, wherein the actuatordevice is a piezo actuator.